A quick guide to QualityRights and why they concern you
Behind the term QualityRights , which may sound distant and unfamiliar, lies a World Health Organization initiative that focuses on the most fundamental aspects of human existence: respect for human rights, the ability to exercise them, and the guarantees that every society must ensure for this to happen. In this case, we are talking about the rights of people with mental health problems or intellectual disabilities, which are frequently violated. We are talking about a general shift in mindset , across all of society, and particularly in those spaces where people live socially: schools, the workplace, healthcare services, and so on.
And before you decide to stop reading because you think it's not for you:
- If you work in the health and mental health sector, this is relevant to you because you can't do your job well if you don't know and understand these rights and apply them in your daily work. In practice, this allows you to offer better care, attention, and support.
- If you work in education, this concerns you because we are talking about basic human values, about building a fairer and more equitable society where people are not discriminated against for any reason.
- If you work in a public service (police force, firefighters, etc.) it concerns you because you deal daily with people who may have a mental health problem.
- If you have a mental health problem, it concerns you because knowing your rights and how to exercise them empowers you and allows you to exercise your full citizenship rights.
- If you are a family member of a person with a mental health disorder, this concerns you because knowing their rights will help you support them better.
- If you don't fall into any of the above categories , believe us, this concerns you because change isn't possible without you. If everyone knows a little more about mental health, understands the context in which mental health problems arise, and looks at others with a bit more empathy and respect, we will create safe and inclusive spaces that benefit all of society. Because you, too, could experience a mental health problem at some point in your life, and you'll want to be treated fairly and in accordance with your values, preferences, and abilities, right?
Now that you know that mental health rights concern you, and a lot, let's tell you a little more.
Free training for everyone
QualityRights are a set of tools provided by the World Health Organization (WHO) that encourage and support governments and organizations around the world to assess and improve the quality of services and human rights, based on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CDPC).
This initiative trains, raises awareness and provides guidance for:
- Breaking with stigma and discrimination.
- To achieve a real transformation of mental health services worldwide towards a holistic care model that respects diversity, human rights and social inclusion of the people served.
One of the key programs is the online training in QualityRights , also available in Spanish, and with which 60,000 people worldwide have already been accredited.
This training, available in 11 languages including Spanish, is free and designed for everyone, from beginners to those with prior knowledge. It's a dynamic and interactive learning experience, with various tools and materials such as short videos, fact sheets, and discussion forums where students can share experiences, learn from each other, and ask questions. The online training is gamified and includes challenges, quizzes, and a leaderboard for the top twenty students.
What will you learn?
- Take care of your own mental health.
- To support friends, family, and colleagues with their mental health.
- To break with stigma, discrimination and abuse.
People who work daily in the field of mental health will also learn to:
- Addressing stigma, discrimination, abuse, and coercion in mental health services, if you work in this field.
- Promote measures to support the transformation of mental health services towards a person-centered and rights-based approach to recovery.
How long does the training last?
The complete training lasts between 10 and 16 hours depending on whether you spend more time reading additional materials.
How does it work?
The training is organized into modules. Once you have reviewed the materials for each module, take a test to check if you have learned the basic concepts.
What will you get?
Upon successful completion of the training, the participant will receive an official WHO training certificate.
What do we gain as a society?
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that for every person trained, there is a positive impact on more than 100 people who are experiencing mental health problems.
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